Jack Hall
Jack Hall progressed through the ranks at Middlewood Road, Sheffield Wednesday’s youth academy, where he developed his skills as a goalkeeper. His consistent performances earned him his first professional contract in 2021. That same year, he was called up to the England youth setup, further showcasing his potential. Hall has had valuable experience training and spending time around the first-team ranks at Sheffield Wednesday, honing his abilities and gaining insight into the professional game.
Craig Ellison
Craig Ellison, who started his career at Crewe Alexandra, brings a wealth of experience from the National League North, having played for Vauxhall Motors, Stalybridge Celtic, and North Ferriby. He has also been on the books at FC Halifax Town, Hyde United, Curzon Ashton, Colwyn Bay, and Witton Albion, as well as playing abroad for CFZ Brasilia and having a trial at Fluminense. Across the pond, he made appearances for Miami Dade. Craig made his mark with Avenue last season in the final four matches and has agreed to stay until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Jak Whiting
Jak Whiting, former captain of DRFC U18s, made his debut in the EFL Trophy against Newcastle United U21s in the 2022/23 season. Last season, Jak was a stalwart for the Green Army, making 33 appearances.
Kareem Hassan-Smith
Energetic full-back Kareem Hassan-Smith joins us after a successful season with Albion Sports. Previously with Huddersfield Town and Barnsley, Kareem also had spells at Guiseley AFC and Eccleshill United. Excited about the move, Kareem stated, “I’m extremely excited to be joining BPA. The stature of the club and the project that’s being built is very impressive.” Known for his high work rate and aggressive defending, Hassan-Smith is a versatile addition to the squad, bringing youth and enthusiasm to the team.
Keenan Ferguson
Keenan Ferguson, a talented defender, brings a wealth of experience and tactical acumen to Bradford (Park Avenue)’s defensive line-up. Ferguson began his career in the academies of Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur, where he honed his skills before joining Boston United after impressing during a pre-season trial in 2021.
Dan Francis
Sponsored by Tesco Ian at Home and Born In Bradford Away, Dan Francis is a reliable left-back with leadership and creativity. The left-back was part of a City side containing Reece Staunton and Kian Scales that reached the FA Youth Cup fourth round in 2019/20. He left Valley Parade soon after to play club football in Germany, his mother’s birthplace, and has played for both Rot Weiss Ahlen and KFC Uerdingen 05 in the Regionalliga.
Francis’ father is from Sierra Leone, and he was called up by the country for the first time in 2021, making his debut in a goalless draw against Ethiopia that August. He also featured in a 2-0 defeat to Comoros in November. In early 2022, Francis was part of the Sierra Leone squad that competed in the African Cup of Nations, alongside players such as Steven Caulker. His last call-up came in June 2023, where he made the bench for an international clash against Nigeria. Francis continues to be an essential part of the team, offering tactical intelligence and a strong work ethic.
Iyrwah Gooden
Iyrwah Gooden is a versatile and dynamic attacker, capable of playing both on the wing and through the middle. Known for his pace, skill, and ability to both score and create goals, Gooden has a proven track record across multiple levels of English football.
Starting his career in non-league football, Gooden gained valuable experience and honed his craft with clubs such as Warrington Town, Chester, Clitheroe, Workington, Worksop, Emley AFC, and Bury FC.
Gooden’s standout season came at Emley AFC, where he played a key role in their promotion as champions, netting an impressive 23 goals. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and contribute significantly to his team’s success highlighted his quality as an attacking threat.
This season at Bury FC, Gooden has continued to impress, featuring in 25 matches, scoring 7 goals, and providing 4 assists before making the switch to Bradford (Park Avenue).
Connor Shanks
Connor Shanks, who played for Avenue on loan from Spennymoor Town last season, returns to the Green & White. With a background at Huddersfield Town and Bradford City’s Academy, Connor adds depth to the midfield.
Luke Hogg
Luke made 41 appearances last season, playing for Stocksbridge Park Steels, where he scored once.
He started out in Doncaster, spending 9 years with the Rovers before joining Guiseley at the age of 16.
While with Guiseley, Hogg was Academy player of the season in 2017, before signing the following season with the first team.
He has spent the last 7 years gaining experience with the likes of Guiseley, Ossett United, Whitby Town, Frickley Athletic, North Ferriby, and Doncaster Rovers.
Myles La Bastide
Academy graduate Myles La Bastide, who scored 5 goals in 22 appearances prior to the 24/25 season, returns after a loan spell at Pontefract Collieries. He scored twice in his season debut against Stocksbridge Park Steels,
Paddy Sykes
Paddy Sykes, a known goalscorer in Bradford, joins Avenue after making 134 appearances and scoring 67 goals for Campion. With extensive experience at Littletown, Howden Clough, Harrogate Railway, and Emley, Paddy is a key addition to our attacking lineup. Sporting Director Thomas McStravick commented, “We are delighted to get Paddy on board. We have had eyes on him since we got our scouting team together and he has been a key target for us. I have watched him. We like what we see and look forward to seeing him in the green and white.” Paddy added, “Delighted to have signed for Bradford Park Avenue for the 24/25 season. Having spoken with the manager and hearing about the project they have planned, the opportunity to join the club was too good to turn down. I’m hoping to contribute to getting the club back to where it belongs.”
Theo Hudson
Josh Ashman
A promising young defender, Josh Ashman has made a solid impact since joining the club. Released by Sheffield Wednesday and later moving through Guiseley and Matlock Town, Ashman is known for his composure on the ball, strong tackling, and excellent reading of the game.
Mark Beevers
Mark Beevers, born on 21 November 1989, is an experienced English defender with bags of experience.
He began his career at Sheffield Wednesday, making his debut in 2007, and went on to have successful spells at Millwall, Bolton Wanderers, Peterborough United, and Perth Glory in Australia, where he served as co-captain. Known for his defensive strength and leadership, Beevers has been named in the League One Team of the Season twice and played over 500 professional games. In September 2024, he joined Bradford (Park Avenue) to bring his wealth of experience to the club.
Connor Dimaio
Connor Dimaio is a talented and experienced central midfielder with a diverse career that spans across both professional and non-league football. A former Republic of Ireland youth international, Dimaio honed his skills at Sheffield United before making his mark in League One with Chesterfield. He played a crucial role in Stockport County’s promotion to the National League during the 2018-19 season, showcasing his ability to thrive at the highest levels of non-league football.
Sonny Whittingham
A recent addition to the squad, Sonny Whittingham is a dynamic midfielder known for his box-to-box play. His energy and ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking phases make him a valuable asset to Bradford (Park Avenue). Whittingham is eager to make his mark with the team.
Jack Normanton
Jack Normanton is a pacey forward with a keen eye for goal. His ability to exploit spaces behind defenses makes him a dangerous player in transition. Normanton’s finishing and positional awareness have led to crucial goals for the team this season.
Ben Blythe
Ben brings valuable experience from Doncaster Rovers and Swansea City. Blythe’s leadership qualities were highlighted during his captaincy of Doncaster’s U18s, and his solid defensive performances, including loan spells at Farsley Celtic and Barry Town, have made him a versatile and dependable defender. His addition strengthens Bradford’s defensive options for the remainder of the season.
Will Calligan
A graduate of Barnsley’s Academy, Calligan made U23 appearances for the club, including a goal on the opening day of the 2020/21 Professional Development League campaign. He has since played for several clubs across the non-league, gaining valuable experience and showcasing his versatility.
Harry Varley
A young and upcoming striker from the BPA Academy, Harry Varley has already impressed with some stunning strikes in pre-season and within the Scholarship programme. Involved in First Team Training and on dual registration with Campion AFC for more experience.
Brad Williams
Bradford (Park Avenue) can confirm the signing of Brad Williams on a contract extending through the end of the season. Recently released by Harrogate Town, Williams is returning to a familiar environment, having previously represented Bradford (Park Avenue) in January while on loan from Harrogate. He also scored in his debut at the Sherwood game in November, coming on to replace the injured Myles La Bastide.
Jack Goodman
Goodman arrives with a wealth of experience for his age, having already made plenty of senior appearances for Doncaster Rovers. His impressive record includes six EFL Trophy appearances, two outings in the EFL Cup, 14 in League Two, and a debut appearance in the FA Cup. Jack has also honed his skills with valuable loan stints most recently at Peterborough Sports, and also with Stamford, Gainsborough Trinity, and Matlock Town, showcasing his adaptability and abilities across multiple levels of English football.
Ewan Gregson
Ewan Gregson join Bradford (Park Avenue) this season, and has spent time out on dual registration with Campion.
After scoring 4 goals in 4 appearances with Campion, he returns to the First Team under new manager Craig Elliott.